Core i3-3240T vs Core 2 Quad Q8400
Core i3-3240T
Core 2 Quad Q8400
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-3240T is positioned at rank 851 and the Core 2 Quad Q8400 is on rank 975, so the Core i3-3240T offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3240T
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q8400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-3240T | Core 2 Quad Q8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($8) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($128) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-3240T | Core 2 Quad Q8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1502%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($8) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($128) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-3240T and Core 2 Quad Q8400
Core i3-3240T
The Core i3-3240T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,078 points. Launch price was $69.
Core 2 Quad Q8400
The Core 2 Quad Q8400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 0.67 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,076 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core i3-3240T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Quad Q8400 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q8400 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i3-3240T versus 0.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q8400 — a 127% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240T (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core i3-3240T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q8400 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3240T scores 2,078 against the Core 2 Quad Q8400's 2,076 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-3240T. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3240T vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q8400.
| Feature | Core i3-3240T | Core 2 Quad Q8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz+348% | 0.67 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz+9% | 2.66 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 4 MB (total)+1500% |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 2,078 | 2,076 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 852 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 369 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,155 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-3240T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Quad Q8400 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-3240T | Core 2 Quad Q8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3 1333 MHz |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-3240T) / true (Core 2 Quad Q8400). Primary use case: Core 2 Quad Q8400 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i3-3240T | Core 2 Quad Q8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | No |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-3240T launched at $117 MSRP, while the Core 2 Quad Q8400 debuted at $183. At current prices ($8 vs $128), the Core i3-3240T is $120 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3240T delivers 259.8 pts/$ vs 16.2 pts/$ for the Core 2 Quad Q8400 — making the Core i3-3240T the 176.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-3240T | Core 2 Quad Q8400 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $117-36% | $183 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $8-94% | $128 |
| Performance per Dollar | 259.8+1504% | 16.2 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2009 |
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